Writers Victoria MS assessment

“Place is beautifully painted and evocative.”

“The characters and plot are dynamic.”

“Overall it is imagistic and convincing.”

“… moody, evocative and gritty …”

“… [the] plot is clever and feasible …”

“Her dialogue is smart and natural and convincing.”

“[The lead character’s] verbal sparring and commentary helps make her likeable.”

New Zealand Society of Authors MS assessment

“Liz is an intriguing and authentic character …”

“Credibility in characters doesn’t come from a one sided, entirely honest, do-gooder type of heroine (or hero); in fiction, credibility is best realised through the development of characters who are as flawed as they are pleasing, as negative as they are positive, and as weak as they are strong. My sense from the [manuscript] is that Liz is all that – a rounded character who carries her past with her as she attempts to make a better future for herself.”

“Liz’s interaction with other characters is strong, particularly in its dialogue and plot elements.”

“The dialogue … is sharp, revealing and keeps the plot moving.”

“… dark-hearted, atmospheric, and brooding …”

Australian Writers’ Centre

“… you can sense the personalities at play and the gentle banter bubbling away. Humorous and human…”

Graeme Lay Short Story Competition 2023

“The morning commuter bus from Aro Street to central Wellington seems an unlikely setting for romance, but public transport has always been a means for people to meet and in some cases develop relationships. This is done in a very amusing manner in Mornings… The third highly commended story.”

Stringybark Stories

“You are a fine writer.”